AbstractIntroductionThe Medico-legal autopsies plays a vital component in the present Day-to-day forensic practices that aids in determining the cause, manner and circumstances of death in all unnatural or suspicious cases. Patterns observed in autopsy populations often reflect broader social and environmental influences. A spring related rise in suicidal behaviour has been noted in literature recently, possibly linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the “Broken Promise Effect.” This current study evaluates the socio-demographic and medico-legal characteristics of autopsy cases in Almora, Uttarakhand.ObjectiveTo determine the demographic pattern, seasonal trends, and medico-legal features of autopsies conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 at SSJGIMS&R, Almora, with special emphasis on suicidal deaths.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective, descriptive study was conducted over a period of one year in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SSJGIMS&R, Almora, on a total of 108 medico-legal autopsies. Data from autopsy records, inquest papers, and police documentation were analyzed for demographic variables, season, manner and cause of death, and system involvement.ResultAmong 108 cases under study, 54 (50%) cases were suicides ie most common manner of death, predominantly seen in males (75%), with the highest incidence in the age group 31–40-year. Maximum number of suicidal deaths(39.8%) occurred during Spring season, suggesting a strong seasonal pattern possibly influenced by SAD and the “Broken Promise Effect.” Hanging was the most common method of suicide.ConclusionFindings in our study revealed that middle-aged urban males forms a high-risk group, with pronounced seasonal peaks in spring seasons in the Kumaon region of India. Recognizing environmental and psychosocial contributors is essential for prevention of such deaths in the future
Valliappan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.